Jo, I take 4 medicines for my fibromyalgia. I thought that I could go off of my elavil and zoloft. I did not notice a big difference the first two days but then gradually the pain got worse and by the second week the pain was intolerable. No matter how much I slept ( sometimes that diminishes it) It made no difference. I went back on the two meds and within a day I was pain free. I felt great for a week. I still have bad days but nothing compared to being off of elavil and zoloft. Basically, my brain chemistry has not changed, has not improved so I still need meds that adjust brain chemistry.
Sometimes it can be hard to get off of medications, even with doctor's orders. I weaned myself off of Tramadol at my own pace, because when I asked multiple doctors how to take myself off of it, they either told me I wouldn't go through withdrawal if I went off cold turkey, or they said that they couldn't help me. I titrated down to 25mg, and then went cold turkey after 4 days of that. You basically just have to know how slow to go when coming off of your medication. Google is really helpful for finding information on the half-life of medications and what withdrawal effects you might experience. I've passed the worst of the withdrawal from Tramadol now, but I still have about a couple months to go before the withdrawal ends completely. It can be very hard coming off of all pain medications, but in my opinion, the effort and strength you have to put in the get off of them is well worth it when you're drug-free and feeling amazing. There's an endless list of homeopathic things and vitamins you can take to help Fibromyalgia pain. I know the drugs get us through school, work, cleaning, and basic living sometimes...but I feel like they can do a LOT more damage than good. I may have been out of pain from the Tramadol for the last two years, but I completely lost my life to it psychologically. I was definitely not "all there" until half a month ago, when I got off of the Tramadol.
I try not to use anything for my pain that might have the opposite effect and make me feel worse, either physically or mentally. I mean, why take the chance of something making you feel worse? All those pharmaceutical drugs have the ability to give you loads and loads of side effects. I already have to deal with all the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, so I really don't want to have to deal with those AND the side effects from drugs.
I'm sorry, but I'm pretty against all prescription medications that are used for this condition.
I have recently wanted to be admitted to a hospital to detox off all of my fibro meds, but every Dr. that I encounter says no, it can be done at home. I've been on the same meds for about 15 years. Amitriptyline - 25 mg - 4x a day, topamax - 25 mg - 4x a day, klonopin - 0.5 mg - 4x per day. I also take butabital (furicet) 4-8 tabs a day, and imotrex (for migraines) at least 3 tablets a week.
My fibro is mainly in my neck and upper back. I have all the trigger pointes from my hips up. I also have a pinched nerve in my neck. Between the fibro and the pinched nerve, I suffer bad headaches and migraines on almost a daily basis.
I also suffer from CFS, which seems to be getting worse as I get older. I am 52. I have very little energy, and if I over do it, I pay a very high price in pain and crippling fatigue for days after.
What do you think?
nmamommy said:
Hi
I recently detoxed from all meds. I spent a week in the hospital and another week feeling like I was going to die. The good news is I feel so much better now. My pain has not gotten any worse and after about a month I was sleeping 8+ hours a night.
I strongly suggest you detox under a doctors supervision or in a hospital. It can be very dangerous to do at home. During my detox I had a seizure and dont know what the outcome would have been if I wasnt in a hospital.
To help keep me free of drugs I am in an outpatient rehab and attend appropriate meetings. It may not be for everyone or even necessary, but I could not be doing this without the help of others who understand. I would be happy to share my experience with anyone who is interested.
Hugs,
Maria
Hi pretty on the inside,
If I could live without the meds that address the pain then I would be working and living a very active life. I tried being drug free for 20 years, I meanI I gave it my best shot. I tried the change in diet and scrutiny of health food and avoiding foods I was allergic to for 4 years. I tried the homeopathic. I went to the gym and did stretches. If that all worked for me I would not be here looking for answers on how to manage the pain. It is wonderful that you are drug free but that is not always the answer
Hi,
I am interested to know if there are homeopathic ways to treat frequent wakenings at night. I take elavil for the REM sleep and Risperdal helps me stay asleep. My doctors say that i really am on such low dosages that is probably why i do not have side effects
I want all that can read this... please do. After taking meds since 2000 - pain pills - sleeping pills and Lyrica - I had to cold turkey by myself due to moving to a different city - i could not see a pain doctor without insurance - I brought my own insurance in Feb and then could not get a appointment to see a pain doctor until this April 11 - leaving me no way to do it but just be without them. The ER would only give me 15 pills. It was very hard - but I am more clear minded. I hurt still and can't sleep good but now I am going to try a Chirpractor before going back on meds and be dumped by doctors because of this pain pill crack down. First I was mad and scared - but believe it or not I take over the counter stuff and maybe my body needed a break from it all. I go a bit slower and many times have to lay down but now being on like week six and doctors not caring what I would have to go through with my pills - I truly don't think they have my back and I would not want to go through that again - so I am trying a different way to go . The fibromyalgia is not gone but it is a different pain without them I really think the pain pills made it a worse pain than without them. Wish me luck.. but truly - I am clear minded now where before I did have the brain fog
I will still need help but maybe just a different way than a doctor giving me pills.. please remember.. I have taken them since 2000 and the fear of the pain without the pain pills really did mess with my mind and without the pills I can tell the difference in the pain.
i tried going off cymbalta i did ween myself off but i ended up going back on it. my pain was so much worse and i had a really flare up while off it and wished someone would just put me in a coma the pain was soo bad. i will never do that again. but some people might do better than me i do know there alot of natural things to help fibro and some people do really good on them and can just use natural meds. but i would try somenatural things and see if they help before going off your perscription meds. good luck i hope your pain gets better
I did detoxed on my own and I have to say it was very hard. It was God that helped me past it. I won a social security case but I can not get help medical wise until Sept. 2013 and it forced me when I moved to another city in January - I could not get the help without insurance finally paid for my own insurance ( no hospital help but at least being able to see a doctor. But being left in the cold so to speak and being told never to cold turkey due to the chance of seizures, etc. etc. If you can't get doctors help guess what, I more or less put on my big girls panties and just prayed for God to help me get through this. I am on week six without any help from meds or doctors. I feel like I have made it through the worst and now I am going to try a chirpractor doctor for help and this time with NO meds to not be put in that spot again.
In Florida the pain pills are such a bad word now - there has got to be a better way.
nmamommy said:
Hi
I recently detoxed from all meds. I spent a week in the hospital and another week feeling like I was going to die. The good news is I feel so much better now. My pain has not gotten any worse and after about a month I was sleeping 8+ hours a night.
I strongly suggest you detox under a doctors supervision or in a hospital. It can be very dangerous to do at home. During my detox I had a seizure and dont know what the outcome would have been if I wasnt in a hospital.
To help keep me free of drugs I am in an outpatient rehab and attend appropriate meetings. It may not be for everyone or even necessary, but I could not be doing this without the help of others who understand. I would be happy to share my experience with anyone who is interested.
Hugs,
Maria
I actually had no insurance when I detoxed. I applied for charity care at a state run hospital that specializes in drug and alchohol addiction and detox. I also was allowed to attend, at no cost to me, an outpatient rehab for 6 months. I am not trying to say anyone here has a drug problem. I have one. All Im trying to say is if you dont have insurance there may be alternatives to look into. Just a suggestion.